Stepping into the kitchen, I used to dread the sheer amount of prep work that came with cooking anything beyond a basic meal. Chopping, slicing, grating – it all felt like an endless chore, leaving a mountain of washing up and very little joy in the process. This daily grind made me realise I needed a serious upgrade; without it, I was stuck with either pre-packaged convenience foods or spending an inordinate amount of time on basic culinary tasks, severely limiting my ability to explore new recipes and enjoy fresh, homemade meals. A versatile kitchen companion would have made a world of difference, saving precious time and effort.
Many of us look to a food processor to banish the drudgery of manual food preparation, seeking a device that can quickly and efficiently chop, slice, grate, knead, and blend. The core problem it solves is simple: saving time and effort in the kitchen, enabling you to cook more from scratch and expand your culinary repertoire without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re someone who loves to cook but loathes the prep, or if you’re looking to batch cook and prepare healthy meals efficiently, then a food processor is likely on your radar.
The ideal customer for a high-quality food processor is an individual or family who regularly cooks at home and values fresh ingredients. They might be keen bakers, health-conscious individuals who make their own smoothies and dips, or busy parents looking for quick ways to prepare meals. However, if you only cook occasionally, or your kitchen is tiny with minimal storage, a full-sized processor might be an overkill. For those with limited space or who only need basic chopping, a compact mini-chopper or a stick blender could be a more suitable and less intrusive option. Before committing to a purchase, consider bowl capacity relevant to your household size, the range of attachments you’ll actually use, motor power for tough tasks, ease of cleaning, and, critically, how much counter or cupboard space you can realistically dedicate to it.
Introducing the Kenwood FDP65.860WH Multipro Express
The Kenwood FDP65.860WH food processor promises to revolutionise your kitchen experience, transforming tedious prep work into a swift and enjoyable process. This particular model, part of Kenwood’s acclaimed Multipro Express range, comes equipped with a powerful 1000W motor and a host of nine versatile attachments, including a 1.5L jug blender and a mini chopper, all designed to offer effortless, professional results. Its key innovation, the Express Serve™ system, aims to deliver convenience by allowing direct slicing, grating, or dicing straight onto your plate or into a pan, drastically cutting down on washing up. Compared to previous models, the FDP65.860WH focuses heavily on this direct-serve functionality and improved storage solutions, distinguishing itself from simpler processors that require food to be collected in the main bowl.
This specific Kenwood food processor is perfectly suited for home cooks who frequently prepare meals from scratch, entertain guests, or enjoy experimenting with diverse recipes requiring various techniques. It’s ideal for those who appreciate robust performance and multi-functional capabilities to handle everything from kneading dough to blending smoothies and finely dicing vegetables. Conversely, it might be an over-investment for someone who rarely cooks or lives in a very small household where a full-sized 3L bowl and numerous attachments would take up too much precious space and go largely unused.
Here’s a quick overview:
Pros:
* Powerful 1000W motor with Dual Drive System ensures efficient performance.
* Express Serve™ system genuinely speeds up prep and reduces washing.
* Generous 3L main bowl and 1.5L blender capacity are suitable for families.
* Comprehensive set of 9 attachments offers great versatility.
* Dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning hassle-free.
Cons:
* Some attachments (graters, grinders) can leave unprocessed food bits, requiring manual intervention.
* Reports of durability issues with certain components, like the mini grinder.
* Concerns regarding motor resting periods after short blending tasks, potentially impacting workflow.
* Occasional instances of leaking from the main bowl or blender.
* Quality control for the knife blade has been questioned by some users regarding rust.
In-Depth Exploration of Features and Their Advantages
Having put the Kenwood FDP65.860WH food processor through its paces over an extended period, I’ve really come to appreciate its design and functionality, though not without encountering a few quirks along the way. Its reputation as a versatile kitchen workhorse is largely well-deserved, offering a breadth of capabilities that genuinely simplify complex cooking tasks.
Powerful 1000W Motor with Patented Dual Drive System
At the heart of the Kenwood FDP65.860WH lies its robust 1000W motor, a feature that immediately stands out. This isn’t just about raw power; it’s intelligently coupled with Kenwood’s patented Dual Drive System. What this means in practice is that the machine can operate both the processing bowl and the blender attachment from a single base, automatically adjusting speed and torque as needed. For me, this has translated into consistently smooth and efficient performance, whether I’m tackling tough root vegetables for slicing or kneading a stiff dough. The sheer grunt behind it ensures that ingredients are processed quickly and evenly, without the motor sounding like it’s struggling. This power is crucial because it directly addresses the core problem of inefficient and tiring manual prep, making light work of tasks that would otherwise be arduous. It’s a definite improvement over less powerful models I’ve used previously, where the motor would sometimes bog down with larger quantities or firmer ingredients.
Express Serve™ Patented System
This is arguably the standout innovation of the Kenwood Multipro Express. The Express Serve™ system allows you to slice, grate, or dice ingredients directly onto a plate, into a serving bowl, or even straight into a pan. It features a separate outlet where processed food exits, bypassing the main bowl entirely. I’ve found this to be a genuine game-changer, particularly when grating a large block of cheese or slicing a heap of cucumbers for a salad. Instead of the main bowl filling up and requiring emptying, the ingredients are continuously discharged. This not only speeds up the process but, more importantly, drastically reduces washing up – a huge benefit for anyone who dreads the aftermath of cooking. It’s perfect for prepping larger quantities without interruption and maintaining a cleaner workspace. While it generally performs well, I have noticed that, depending on the ingredient and how it’s fed, sometimes small pieces might remain unprocessed near the feed tube or the edges of the disc, which can be a minor annoyance.
Large 3L Bowl with 1.5L Working Capacity
The main processing bowl is generously sized, boasting a 3-litre total capacity with a practical 1.5-litre working capacity. For my family, this has proven to be an ideal size. It comfortably handles making larger batches of dough, processing enough vegetables for a big soup, or preparing ingredients for a family-sized stew. The larger working capacity means fewer batches, which again contributes to overall efficiency and less time spent in the kitchen. For a single person or a couple, this might seem quite large, but it offers excellent flexibility for meal prepping or entertaining. The sturdy plastic construction of the bowl gives it a durable feel, suggesting it’s built to withstand regular use.
1.5L Blender for High-Speed Blending
Accompanying the main bowl is a substantial 1.5-litre jug blender. This is not an afterthought but a capable addition, leveraging the powerful motor for high-speed blending. I’ve used it extensively for smoothies, soups, and sauces, and it consistently delivers smooth, lump-free results. The capacity is excellent for making family-sized drinks or blending a large batch of soup. Its easy-clean design is another plus; a quick rinse or a cycle in the dishwasher (for the removable parts) usually suffices. The high-speed capability means ingredients are thoroughly pulverised, which is essential for creamy textures. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported the need for the machine to rest after even short blending cycles (e.g., 60 seconds), which could disrupt workflow if you’re blending multiple items or need continuous operation.
9 Attachments for Unmatched Versatility
The true strength of the Kenwood FDP65.860WH food processor lies in its comprehensive suite of nine attachments. These transform the single base unit into a multi-functional kitchen assistant.
* Multi Mill: This small mill is fantastic for grinding spices, coffee beans, or even making small quantities of nut butter. It’s precise and powerful for its size, producing fine grinds consistently.
* Slicing/Grating Discs: Multiple discs are included, offering various thicknesses for slicing and different grades for grating. These are incredibly sharp and effective, producing uniform results. This is where the Express Serve™ shines, as you can grate mountains of carrots or potatoes directly into your cooking pot.
* Dough Tool: For bakers, the dough tool is invaluable. It takes the hard work out of kneading, developing gluten efficiently for bread, pizza, or pastry doughs. While it generally performs well, I did encounter an instance where a very wet dough seemed to challenge the seal, leading to minor leakage around the central spindle.
* Duo Feed Tube: This clever design allows for both wider and narrower ingredients to be fed into the processor, ensuring optimal contact with the blades for consistent results, regardless of the ingredient’s shape or size.
* Serrated Knife Blade: The main S-blade is incredibly sharp and effective for chopping, pureeing, and mixing. It handles everything from herbs to meat with ease, making quick work of tasks like making pesto or breadcrumbs. However, I have noticed some very minor discolouration on the blade after extensive use, which raised a slight concern about potential rust spots, though it hasn’t affected performance.
* Mini Chopper: This attachment is perfect for smaller tasks where the main bowl might be overkill, such as finely chopping garlic, ginger, or nuts. It’s quick and convenient, though some users have reported durability issues with this specific attachment after repeated use.
Safety Lock Feature
Safety is paramount in any kitchen appliance, and the inclusion of a safety lock on the Kenwood Multipro Express provides significant peace of mind. The machine will not operate unless the bowl and lid are correctly secured, preventing accidental starts and ensuring safe operation, especially in busy kitchens or homes with children. This thoughtful design element demonstrates Kenwood’s commitment to user safety.
SpeedSelect Dial and Smartstore Bag
The SpeedSelect Dial simplifies operation, providing clear speed markings tailored for different tasks, removing the guesswork. This intuitive control makes it easy to achieve the right consistency. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Smartstore Bag for keeping all the attachments neatly and safely together is a small but highly appreciated detail. It helps keep the kitchen organised and prevents accessories from getting lost or damaged, addressing a common storage headache associated with multi-attachment appliances.
In summary, the array of features on the Kenwood FDP65.860WH food processor truly makes it a versatile tool. While the Express Serve™ system is a genuine time-saver, and the powerful motor handles most tasks admirably, potential buyers should be aware of the occasional limitations regarding unprocessed food remnants, durability concerns with some smaller parts, and the recommended motor rest periods.
Real-World Experiences: Insights from Other Users
I’ve delved into various online discussions and user feedback, and it’s clear that while many appreciate the potential of this machine, some users have encountered a few challenges. One common point raised is that despite the sturdy initial feel, certain grating and grinding attachments sometimes leave unprocessed bits of food, particularly near the bowl’s edges, which can be a bit frustrating. Others mentioned unexpected rust developing on the knife blade after a relatively short period, which led to concerns about the overall material quality compared to older Kenwood models. There were also reports of the main bowl or blender leaking, especially during tasks like kneading dough, suggesting potential issues with the seals. A surprising piece of feedback highlighted a requirement for the machine to rest for extended periods (e.g., 15 minutes after just a minute of blending) to avoid voiding the warranty, which some found impractical for continuous use. Additionally, the mini grinder has been cited by a few as being prone to cracking or failing after only a few uses, leading to disappointment and concerns about after-sales support.
Final Thoughts and a Recommendation
Ultimately, the problem of time-consuming and messy food preparation is one that many home cooks face daily, leading to compromises in meal quality or reliance on less healthy options. If not solved, this can perpetuate a cycle of culinary frustration and limit your ability to enjoy fresh, homemade food. The Kenwood FDP65.860WH food processor offers a compelling solution to this very real challenge.
Firstly, its powerful 1000W motor and comprehensive suite of 9 attachments mean it can tackle virtually any prep task, from blending smoothies to kneading dough, ensuring efficiency and versatility in your kitchen. Secondly, the innovative Express Serve™ system is a true game-changer, dramatically reducing washing up and speeding up continuous processing, making it ideal for larger quantities or busy weeknights. Finally, with its generous bowl capacity and a host of clever features like the SpeedSelect Dial and Smartstore Bag, it’s designed to make your cooking experience not just easier, but more organised and enjoyable. Despite a few reported issues with certain components and the motor rest times, its overall performance and breadth of functionality make it a strong contender for anyone looking to significantly upgrade their kitchen capabilities. To explore more about this impressive appliance and streamline your cooking, click here to check the Kenwood FDP65.860WH food processor out.